Korean J Intern Med.  2005 Sep;20(3):260-263. 10.3904/kjim.2005.20.3.260.

Cutaneous Metastases of Pancreatic Carcinoma as a First Clinical Manifestation

• Jun DW
• Lee OY
• Park CK
• Choi HS
• Yoon BC
• Lee MH
• Lee DH

• KMID: 1782241
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3904/kjim.2005.20.3.260

Abstract

Cutaneous metastases from pancreatic adenocarcinomas are rare lesions. The most common site of cutaneous metastasis is the umbilicus, and this is also known as the 'Sister Mary Joseph' nodule. A 68-year-old Korean male, who was previously healthy and asymptomatic, was seen in the dermatology department for two subcutaneous nodules that he had on his right forearm and his back. Histological examination of the right foreman nodule revealed metastatic adenocarcinoma. Immunohistochemical staining for cytokeratin (CK) 7 and CK 19 were positive, and this strongly suggested the pancreatic duct as being the primary source of the cancer. The abdominal computed tomography findings were compatible with pancreatic cancer. Clinicians should be aware that metastatic cutaneous lesions could be the initial presenting sign for pancreatic cancer. The immunohistochemical staining for CK 7 and 19 may also be helpful in the diagnosis of metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Keyword

Pancreatic cancer; Manifestation; Skin; Immunohistochemistry

MeSH Terms

Skin Neoplasms/diagnosis/*secondary
Pancreatic Neoplasms/*pathology
Neoplasm Metastasis/*pathology
Male
Korea
Humans
Aged
Adenocarcinoma/*pathology